There was a message coach Micheal Ray Richardson wants his team to remember going into its game Thursday at the John Labatt Centre.

Forget the records and remember that every game from now until the end of the National Basketball League of Canada is crucial especially the home games.

The Lightning 16-4 and in first place, take on the Moncton Miracles who are 4-16 and in last place.

"It doesn't matter what the record is," Richardson said. "We don't take anyone lightly. If they were to come in here and beat the No. 1 team it would make their season. When you are in first place, you have a target on your back and you've got to be prepared for every game. It's doesn't matter if a team is 16-0 or 0-16."

This is a bit of a trap game for the Lightning. For most of the season the Miracles have not played very well. Taking them lightly might be expected but also dangerous.

The Lightning have beaten the Miracles by 22 and 20 at home and by five in Moncton.

"They've been playing a lot better lately," Richardson said. "But we have to go out and do what we do every game, play defence, rebound and run our offence."

Knowing they have little to lose, the Miracles would love to put the Lightning into an uncomfortable situation.

While the Lightning shouldn't have any problems making the playoffs, they want first place and home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

They are having trouble shaking the Halifax Rainmen. The Lightning have played two more games than the Rainmen and have one less loss so any loss is going to hurt.

The top four teams make the playoffs with one playing four and two playing three. The first series are best-of-three with the final a best-of-five. The guarantee of several home games will make a huge difference not only in improved chances to win but it will also mean a nice chunk of change in the bank.